Counseling Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides confidential psychological and psychiatric services for currently enrolled U of M undergraduate and graduate students. We strive to provide these services in an atmosphere that is welcoming, comfortable and multi-culturally sensitive for all students.

Counseling services are primarily short term and include opportunities for individual, couples and group counseling to assist students with mental health, academic and/ or other personal concerns that are interfering with positive experiences at U of M.

Psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring are also offered as long as students are actively participating in counseling support with one of CAPS counselors.

In addition, CAPS provides crisis intervention and consultation services for students, their friends, roommates and/or family members by telephone or on a walk-in basis during business hours.

We can also provide assistance with referrals to community resources for neurological or other testing services, for psychiatric medication and/or when longer-term counseling is desired or has been recommended.

Confidentiality

When it comes to protecting your information, CAPS follows all professional standards, and state and federal laws. For more specific information, review our confidentiality policy.

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Your First Appointment

Scheduling

To schedule your first appointment at CAPS, please come into our office between the hours of 8:00-6:00 Monday-Thursday and 8:00-4:00 on Friday to complete the confidential intake information on our secure computers. This takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Once you complete these forms, you will need to show your University of Michigan student ID (M-Card) to the receptionist who will set up your appointment.

If you have a particular request, (e.g. for a specific therapist or for a specific clinical issue) please note this on your forms. Although we cannot always fulfill your request, when asked we do try to honor your request. However, the wait time for the appointment may be longer in this case.

Wait Time

CAPS is committed to minimizing wait times as much as possible and offers about 80 first appointments per week. This translates into our professional staff members meeting with approximately 300 new clients each month. Sometimes, even with the number of first appointments that are offered, the wait for a scheduled appointment can stretch longer than what we want. When this happens, please talk with the receptionist about options that might be available.

What to Expect

During this initial session you will be asked to describe your current concerns. The CAPS therapist will make every effort to understand you and your situation and will likely ask questions to obtain specific information about your well-being.

At the end of this first appointment, the therapist will talk with you about the possible options to best meet your needs. This might include gathering additional information, individual counseling, couples or group counseling, a medication consultation, or a referral to another counselor, clinic, or center in the community.

How Many Sessions Can I Have?

Since every situation is different we do not have a set number of times a student can be seen by one of our therapists. However, CAPS treatment philosophy is based on a brief treatment model. In your first appointment session, your therapist will evaluate what would be the best treatment plan for your situation and discuss it with you.

Counseling Options

Individual Counseling

Individual therapeutic counseling provides an opportunity to talk with an objective, caring professional about your concerns or problems. Concerns discussed range widely, but might include feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academic concerns, substance use, issues with friends and family, or relationship concerns. Counseling sessions last 45 minutes (they start quarter after the hour and end on the hour).

Group Counseling

Group counseling offers an opportunity for students to meet others who may have similar experiences and want to pursue personal growth in a safe, supportive environment. Groups usually meet once a week and have 5-10 members, and often have a specific focus, i.e. self-esteem, graduate student issues, building relationships, and women's issues.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is provided for any couple with at least one enrolled University of Michigan student and who might be dealing with concerns and difficulties within the relationship.

Campus Crises

Unfortunately, our campus community has been faced with untimely deaths, illnesses, or national events that affect your lives. CAPS has been, and will continue to be, called upon to provide professional, caring, psychological and emotional support when needed during these times.